Kodian Posted November 18, 2022 Report Share Posted November 18, 2022 I’m not sure why, but for some reason I assumed that a kiln can be kept outside and be able to withstand outdoor elements (probably because I’ve seen a specially designed outdoor kiln before). That being said, my kiln stayed outside for about 2-3 weeks before I could do anything (since I wasn’t even home that whole time), and I just brought it in. It got rained on at least twice during that time, not too heavily, but I’m worried that I just ruined my kiln without ever even running it. I can’t turn it on to test it either since it hasn’t been wired properly yet (which is also a concern - spending even more money to wire it just to find out it doesn’t work..). The bricks are clearly wet and there is rust on specific parts of the kiln. I’m not sure what to do or what to think https://ibb.co/1r2GGz3https://ibb.co/mRMV5LShttps://ibb.co/hMfv65Mhttps://ibb.co/hfGnnrw Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilestrick Posted November 18, 2022 Report Share Posted November 18, 2022 It's not a great situation, but it may not be that bad, either. The primary concern is the control system, which definitely should not get wet. Once all the electrical parts dry out and you power it up you'll know what parts survived and what didn't. The bricks just need to dry out, assuming the mortar in the lid and floor slabs didn't soften up and come apart. You'll want to dry it out ASAP, and do it with the lid open so you don't grow mold in it. I've seen a kiln that was kept closed up for a few weeks after getting wet and the entire inside was black with mold, including between the outer body bands and the brick. Ideally you want to get it running and take it up to 200 degrees or so and hold there for a few days so it dries completely. Piedmont Pottery, Rae Reich and Kodian 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piedmont Pottery Posted November 19, 2022 Report Share Posted November 19, 2022 We once had a small test kiln get wet. The brick got wet enough to conduct electricity, so as soon as we turned the kiln on it would trip the breaker, as current was flowing from the elements to the steel casing. Completely drying the bricks solved the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark C. Posted November 19, 2022 Report Share Posted November 19, 2022 Wet electronics are no good so some mild dry heat is needed. Thats an electronic contoller on the side. You could pull the cover off the electronics and spray with electronic cleaner (spray made for this). I do that when I have wet underwater electronics that get wet diving. Some oil on the rusting steel would also help. Dry the bricks well before firing. the top is open to rain on the electrical side so get into that and take a look. Rae Reich and Magnolia Mud Research 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kodian Posted December 3, 2022 Author Report Share Posted December 3, 2022 Just an update, but I got the kiln wired and fired it for the first time yesterday. I guess I got lucky, but it works just fine! No problems so far, and I’m doing a test firing today to make sure I got the right temp and time for firing my clay. Thanks everyone who replied, I took everyone’s advice and it definitely helped! neilestrick 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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